Slovenia’s government yesterday approved a decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Robert Golomb said, following in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland, and Norway.

The move is part of a broader effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

In this context, Golob called for an immediate end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

As reported by CNN Greece, the Slovenian government posted a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the EU in front of its headquarters in Ljubljana.

The parliament of the country, a member state of the European Union, must also ratify the government’s decision in the coming days. Its President announced that the body will vote next Tuesday on the official recognition of the State of Palestine.

On May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state, prompting an angry reaction from Israel.

Of the 27 member states of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognized the Palestinian state. Malta has indicated it could soon follow.

Britain and Australia have said that they are also considering recognition, but France has said that the time has not yet come. Germany agrees with the US, Israel’s staunchest ally, rejecting a unilateral approach and insisting that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.

On Tuesday, Denmark’s parliament voted down the bill to recognize a Palestinian state.

Also read: Palestine | Officially recognized by three countries

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